thesis report full

Re-Groundingreinterpretation of ground, datum and mass

Thesis ReportCalvin Chan

iRe-Groundingreinterpretation of ground, datum and mass

Thesis ReportMaster of Architecture 2011- 2012

University of Hong Kong

The artificial ground has been thickened by means of shifting datum defined by building code. The ever-shifting datum continuously disengages itself from the idea of ground. Programs are interiorized. Open spaces are rendered as leftover spaces. Is it possible to imagine an alternate scenario: by reinterpreting datum, the thickened ground is also a device to induce intimate spatial relationship between ground and building mass?

iii

Content

Photographic Research 1

Case Study 3

First Jury 8

Building Type 9

Thesis Statement Thickened Ground 20

Scale Comparison 24

Site Selection 28

Urban Slope 30

Thickened Ground at site 32

Second Jury 36

Site Analysis 37

Unfolded Journey 50

Program 52

Multiple Ground 54

Multiple Ground Plan 56

Reshaped Urban Space 58

Alternate Future 60

Documentation 62

Third Jury 76

Final Jury 77

Acknowledgements 78

Bibliography 79

Building Plinth on Slopes

Kwun Tong

Mid Levels

Central

55.4 m

13.2 m

1

A Research on Urban Slope High Rise BuildingsHow do high rise buildings reshape the ground to situate themselves on urban slopes?

In some cases, the building plinths volume in itself is already equivalent to a building in the neighborhood. What is the driving factor behind this phenomenon?

Is the plinth a genuine representation of what needs to be built?

Building Mass

Structure

Existing Topography

Program Space

2

Case StudyCase StudyAxonometric studies aims to decode the ingredients of high rises on urban slopes.

3Palm CourtYear of Completion: 1964Lcoation: Mid-LevelsSite Area: 1,674 m2Ground Level Differeence: 18 m

4Tai Hong CourtYear of Completion: 1965Lcoation: Kwun TongSite Area: 2,469 m2Ground Level Differeence: 26 m

5Eastland HeightsYear of Completion: 1976Lcoation: Kowloon TongSite Area: 1,451 m2Ground Level Differeence: 15 m

6Comfort GardensYear of Completion: 1974Lcoation: North PointSite Area: 2,084 m2Ground Level Differeence: 20 m

7Leighton HillYear of Completion: 2002Lcoation: Happy ValleySite Area: 43,143 m2Ground Level Differeence: 30 m

Date: February 8th, 2012Panel Members: Alan Smart, Koon Wee

First Jury

1. Synopsis of PresentationThe need to develop on hilly topography is a recurring issue for Hong Kong. With the concern of over-reclamation, as well as a lack of flatland in urban areas, it is not difficult to find buildings sitting on a variety of artificial platforms on slopes.

Axonometric case studies shown as examples

In the above examples GROUND is considered a separate entity from the building MASS. While in these examples GROUND has a variety of spatial properties, meaning it is not a SURFACE but rather a VOLUME. GROUND is no longer simply a plane for the building to sit on. There exists other types where GROUND and MASS forms an inseparable

relationship yet to be explored.

2. Synopsis of Reviewers CommentsKW: Could document Archetypes worldwide with the color-coding of the diagrams and their relationship with the code.KW: Should understand how a slope is reshaped in engineering termsKW: Should revise the criteria in catergorizing types into terms more commonly understood

3. ResponseNeed a critical understanding about influence of building code on building types.Need a way to revise the catalog to include more useful information. (e.g. level difference/ buidling code/ engineering technique)

recreationcarpark

roadstructure

Program

In-between

Ground/ Access

Construction

program

multiple discontinuous

multiple continuous

single discontinuous

single continuous

build atopcut and ll

9

Building TypeBuilding TypeTo understand the physical, circulatory and programmatic composition of the plinth, four criteria is set up to evaluate each case study.

-17.9 m-17.9 m

Principal Datum(from the lower access)

Accessible Ground

-17.9 m-17.9 m

carparkstructuresingle continuous

cut and ll

Hillview GardenYear of Completion: 1963Ground Elevation: 7.7 mPrincipal Datum: -17.9 m


Accessible Ground10

Building Type vs Building CodeBuilding Type vs Building CodeFor ease of implementing the code, there is always absolute reference regarded as the Principal Datum for any development in Hong Kong. What is the relationship between this ground with the accessible ground?

-17.9 m-17.9 m

Principal Datum(from the lower access)-17.9 m-17.9 m


cut and ll

Hillview GardenYear of Completion: 1963Ground Elevation: 7.7 mPrincipal Datum: -17.9 m


Accessible Ground

Site

Bou

ndar

ySi

te B

ound

ary

Site

Bou

ndar

y

Site

Bou

ndar

ySi

te B

ound

ary

Site

Bou

ndar

y

11

-17.6 m-17.6 m

0.0 m0.0 m


build atop carparkroadsingle continuous

build atop

Tai Hong Court Palm CourtYear of Completion: 1964Ground Elevation: 13.2 mPrincipal Datum: 0.0 m

Year of Completion: 1969Ground Elevation: 8.0 mPrincipal Datum: -17.6 m

12

-17.6 m-17.6 m

0.0 m0.0 m


build atop carparkroadsingle continuous

build atop

Tai Hong Court Palm CourtYear of Completion: 1964Ground Elevation: 13.2 mPrincipal Datum: 0.0 m

Year of Completion: 1969Ground Elevation: 8.0 mPrincipal Datum: -17.6 m

13

0.0 m0.0 m 0.0 m0.0 m

carparkroadsingle discontinuous

build atop carparkprogrammultiple discontinuous

cut and ll

Comfort GardensBroadview TerraceYear of Completion: 1977Ground Elevation: 8.3 mPrincipal Datum: 0.0 m

Year of Completion: 1974Ground Elevation: 20.0 mPrincipal Datum: 0.0 m

+7.0 m+7.0 m


cut and ll

Hilltop GardensYear of Completion: 1990Ground Elevation: 24.7 mPrincipal Datum: +7.0 m

recreationprogram

14

+7.0 m+7.0 m


cut and ll

Hilltop GardensYear of Completion: 1990Ground Elevation: 24.7 mPrincipal Datum: +7.0 m

recreationprogram

15

15m non-domestic podium...for the non-domestic part of a composite building,on a class A, B or C site may, whatever the height of the building, exceed the permitted percentage site coverage to a height not exceeding 15 m above ground level.Building (Planning)Regulations section20(3)

+27.2 m+27.2 m

recreationroadmultiple discontinuous

build atop

Leighton HillYear of Completion: 2000Ground Elevation: 49.8 mPrincipal Datum: +27.2 m

16

+27.2 m+27.2 m


build atop

Leighton HillYear of Completion: 2000Ground Elevation: 49.8 mPrincipal Datum: +27.2 m

17

+35.4 m+35.4 m

e BelchersYear of Completion: 2002Ground Elevation: 55.4 mPrincipal Datum: +35.4 m

recreationprogrammultiple discontinuous

build atop

18

+35.4 m+35.4 m

e BelchersYear of Completion: 2002Ground Elevation: 55.4 mPrincipal Datum: +35.4 m

recreationprogrammultiple discontinuous

build atop

19

Datum ShiftThe datum shift is resulted from dividing the development into two; the bottom is dedicated to a shopping mall of commercial purpose while the top is dedicated to residential purpose. The plinth/podium as such is composed of the shopping mall for commerical purpose and a clubhouse for residential purpose.

The plinth is equivalent to a 20 storey building in itself, which elevates the apartements above a normal building since 70s in its neighborhood.

Principal Datum

2002e Belchers

1990Hilltop Gardens1977

Broadview Terrace1963Hillview Gardens

1997List Policyreplaces annual land sales

1980Building Planning Regulations

P.D. +15m non domestic podium

1984Sino-British Joint Declaration

Limit land sales < 50 Ha/year

1966Building Ordinance

Plot Ratio and Site Coverage

1955Building OrdinanceSetback Line

ickened Ground // Datum Shift // Building Code

+35.4 m

+56.4 m

24.7 m

8.3 m0.0 m

+7.0 m

0.0 m-17.9 m

20

Principal Datum

2002e Belchers

1990Hilltop Gardens1977

Broadview Terrace1963Hillview Gardens

1997List Policyreplaces annual land sales

1980Building Planning Regulations

P.D. +15m non domestic podium

1984Sino-British Joint Declaration

Limit land sales < 50 Ha/year

1966Building Ordinance

Plot Ratio and Site Coverage

1955Building OrdinanceSetback Line

ickened Ground // Datum Shift // Building Code

+35.4 m

+56.4 m

24.7 m

8.3 m0.0 m

+7.0 m

0.0 m-17.9 m

21

A Critique: Ground Thickening as an economic agenda

Thickened Ground

Over the time the artificial ground has been thickened by means of code and injecting optional program. There is a shift from applying building code for practical concern to manipulation to achieve a building mass which shows more economic greed than architectural concern. The ever-shifting datum continuously disengages itself from the idea of ground. Programs are interiorized. Open spaces are rendered as leftover spaces.

A thickened ground has proven to have economic value in current manifestation. Yet is it possible to re-imagine an alternate scenario: where datum is also a device to induce intimate spatial relationship between ground and building mass?

recreation

recreation

recreation

recreation

carparkcarpark

carpark

carpark

carpark

mega podiumtransitiontower on slopestage 4stage 3stage 1 stage 2

1966 19801955

new ground plane ground plane thickening

typical podium towers

Building (Planning) RegulationP.D. +15m non-domestic podium

1984 Sino British Joint DeclarationLimit land sales < 50 Ha /year

1997 List Policy replaces annual land sales

Building OrdinancePlot Ratio & Site Coverage

Building OrdinanceSetback line

15m GFA concession shifting datum + extra concession

roadroad

road

structure

structure

Flora Garden

Hilltop Gardens

Comfort Gardens

Hillview Garden

Leighton Hill

e Legend

Palm CourtTai Hong Court

Broadview Terrace

15m

p.d.

e Belchers

program

program

program


cut and ll

cut and ll

program






single continuous

single continuous

single continuous

build atop

build atop


build atop

build atopbuild atop


cut and ll

15m

p.d.

(20m)

Ground MassStage 5

Articial Re-shaping Ground

Ground as the only Mass

TransitionTower on slopeStage 1 Stage 2

Ease of Access/ Construction Program Necessity

New Ground Plane Ground Plane ickening

Mega PodiumStage 4Stage 3

Typical Podium Towers15m Non-Domestic Podium Shifting Datum + Extra Concession

15m

p.d.

15m

p.d.

(20m)

Articial Ground Mass becomes BuildingArticial Ground Mass

22

recreation

recreation

recreation

recreation

carparkcarpark

carpark

carpark

carpark

mega podiumtransitiontower on slopestage 4stage 3stage 1 stage 2

1966 19801955

new ground plane ground plane thickening

typical podium towers

Building (Planning) RegulationP.D. +15m non-domestic podium

1984 Sino British Joint DeclarationLimit land sales < 50 Ha /year

1997 List Policy replaces annual land sales

Building OrdinancePlot Ratio & Site Coverage

Building OrdinanceSetback line

15m GFA concession shifting datum + extra concession

roadroad

road

structure

structure

Flora Garden

Hilltop Gardens

Comfort Gardens

Hillview Garden

Leighton Hill

e Legend

Palm CourtTai Hong Court

Broadview Terrace

15m

p.d.

e Belchers

program

program

program


cut and ll

cut and ll

program






single continuous

single continuous

single continuous

build atop

build atop


build atop

build atopbuild atop


cut and ll

15m

p.d.

(20m)

Ground MassStage 5



Mega PodiumStage 4Stage 3

Typical Podium Towers15m Non-Domestic Podium Shifting Datum + Extra Concession

15m

p.d.

15m

p.d.

(20m)

Articial Ground Mass becomes BuildingArticial Ground Mass

Ground MassStage 5



23

The plinth has developed from a ground plane to a building in itself with increasing mass and program content. While the building mass on top has been inert to the ground condition. Is it possible to imagine a scenario where the building as a whole is the plinth that reshape the ground and the space for habitation?

Thickened Ground as the only building mass

24

Hilltop Gardens, 1990

Broadview Terrace, 1977

Hillview Garden, 1963

25

The Belchers, 2000

Scale ComparisonThickened Ground

Models @ 1: 500

Comfort GardensYear of Completion: 1974Site Area: 1,960m2Site Coverage: 85%

Broadview TerraceYear of Completion: 1977Site Area: 3,060m2Site Coverage: 87%

Palm CourtYear of Completion: 1964Site Area: 1,590m2Site Coverage: 96%

Tai Hong CourtYear of Completion: 1969Site Area: 2,210m2Site Coverage: 88%

Hillview GardensYear of Completion: 1963Site Area: 3,800m2Site Coverage: 60%

Comfort GardensYear of Completion: 1974Site Area: 1,960m2Site Coverage: 85%

Broadview TerraceYear of Completion: 1977Site Area: 3,060m2Site Coverage: 87%

Palm CourtYear of Completion: 1964Site Area: 1,590m2Site Coverage: 96%

Tai Hong CourtYear of Completion: 1969Site Area: 2,210m2Site Coverage: 88%

Hillview GardensYear of Completion: 1963Site Area: 3,800m2Site Coverage: 60%

26

Leighton HillYear of Completion: 2000Site Area: 42,763m2Site Coverage: 33%

Hilltop GardensYear of Completion: 1990Site Area: 5,540m2Site Coverage: 92%

e BelchersYear of Completion: 2002Site Area: 31,890m2Site Coverage: 68%

27

Leighton HillYear of Completion: 2000Site Area: 42,763m2Site Coverage: 33%

Hilltop GardensYear of Completion: 1990Site Area: 5,540m2Site Coverage: 92%

e BelchersYear of Completion: 2002Site Area: 31,890m2Site Coverage: 68%

Ho Man Tin Hill Road, Ho Man Tin

30.9 m

17.4 m

+/- 13.5 mS

L Tin Hau Temple Road, North Point

93.9 m

18.9 m

+/- 75.0 m

26.5 m

28

M5.8 m

62.2 m

+/- 56.4 m

20.4 m

35.1 m

53.3 m

Hopewell Center Second Phase, North Point

32.1 m

21.3 m

13.9 m

18.0 m

24.5 m

8.2 m

+/- 23.9 mL Hong Kong Observatory, Tsim Sha Tsui

29

SiteHopewell Center Second Phase is a Thickened Ground Phenomenon; a generic datum with huge level difference within the site

Schools and Sports Facilities1:4000

School

Swimming Pool

Site

Sportsground

MTR

Natural Slope

30

Schools and Sports Facilities1:4000

School

Swimming Pool

Site

Sportsground

MTR

Natural Slope

31

Urban SlopeUrban SlopeThe site is located on a urban slope with secondary schools in its neighborhood. Frequent movement happens from the urban fabric to upon the slope. The site could act as a mediator in-between.

10 m0

+4.5 m

+6.5 m

To Kennedy Road

Hopewell Centre

To Kennedy Road

To Kennedy Road

Wu Chung House

Queen

s Road

East

QRE Plaza

ickening Device:Footbridge+ 6.5 m

32

10 m0

Ship Street

Nan Koo Terrace+11.7 m

ickening Device:Landll+ 11.7 m

33

10 m0

Queens

Road Ea

st

Kenned

y Road

Hopewell Centre

+6.5 m

3/F to 17/F+ 42 m

ickening Device:Express Lift+ 48.5 m

34

10 m0

Camelot Height

+30.0 m

ickening Device:Driveway Ramp+ 30.0 m

35

36

Second Jury

1. Synopsis of PresentationBuilding Plinth Analysis showing the physical, circulatory and programmatic composition

A Chronological Study of Building Types together with development of building code was done. By shifting the principal datum with multiple developments in one site and non-domestic podium GFA exemption, the building plinth gains volume. Ground Thickening phenomenon is discovered.

Several Sites of various scale has been chosen for the Project to test out the idea that Thickened Ground as the Building Mass

Date: March 26th, 2012Panel Members: Debra Cheung, Tao Zhu

2. Synopsis of Reviewers CommentsTZ: The current thickened ground separates the building mass and the ground program. Consider the alternative where the ground is dicided into fragments. How the notion of ground can still be conveyed.DC: The datum is where the project reference to.AL: A site like the Belchers should not be defined by one single datum but rather multiple datum. Since the datum is the underlying factor, if the datum definition is different the project should end up with a different massing. If the site is chopped off into lots they could have different datum but still remain as one site.

3. ResponseThe method used to analyze the case study should be tested out on the site. How the ground is defined instead of having one generic datum has to be developed. Go on to look st how a site can be chopped off.

37

Site AnalysisSite AnalysisOperations to transform the generic datum to a site specific multiple datum subdivision

Specied Street

Datum Shift!

Building (Planning) Regulation s23(1)

The mean level of the street or streets on which it fronts or abuts being a specified street or specified streets not less than 4.5m wide, or where the building abuts on specified streets not less than 4.5m wide having different levels, from the mean level of the lower or lowest of such streets, to the mean height of the roof over usable floor space in the building.

e mean level of the street or streets on which it fronts or abuts being a specied street... a.k.a. Principal Datum

P.D.

0

20

40

m60

B.L. B.L.

Datum Shift?Principal Datum - Building Code denition

38

B.L.B.L.

underground

ickened GroundGeneric Datum

Single Datum results in one gigantic building mass and disconnected topography. Program spaces are interiorized and disconnected from the GROUND. Datum is a device to elevate the building

39

Site SubdivisionNew Datums for Individual Lots

Consider the site divided into INDIVIDUAL LOTS for multiple developments, NEW DATUMS MUST SET UP for each development. e size of the site could be equivalent to 6 individual developments. Internal streets now become specied streets in determining the new datums.

0

20

40

m60

Internal street becomes specied street

40

Site SubdivisionNew Datums for Individual Lots

Consider the site divided into INDIVIDUAL LOTS for multiple developments, NEW DATUMS MUST SET UP for each development. e size of the site could be equivalent to 6 individual developments. Internal streets now become specied streets in determining the new datums.

0

20

40

m60

Internal street becomes specied street

41

+43.0 m

+25.0 m

Existing Path as Continuous Datum(leading to Nam Koo Terrace)

Existing Grounds as DatumsPreserved Topography

Remaining Plinth of Pre WWII houses

ere are EXISTING GROUNDS where people perceive as absolute reference for existing/demolished buildings. Open grounds of public access prove itself a DATUM for reference

a reference point, surface, or axis on an object for the measurement of heights and depths. -Oxford Dictionary

42

Sau Wa Fong

Queens Road EastShip Street

Pedestrian (Existing)

Lot Boundary

New Datum

New Datum shifted

Pedestrian (Proposed)

Vehicular (Existing)

Vehicular (Proposed)

Kennedy RoadSecondary School

To preserve the historic footprint, the datum shifts to conform the existing topography

Conforming TopographyDatum Shift

43





Hopewell CentreShopping Mall

Kennedy Road Kennedy Road

Sau Wa Fong

Queens Road EastShip Street Kennedy Road

Secondary School

Existing/Possible access to SiteBasis for New Ground

44


Kennedy Road



Lot Boundary

New Datum

New Datum shifted





e Datum shifts to the level where access is provided

Conforming AccessDatum Shift

45


Kennedy Road Kennedy Road

Sau Wa Fong



Lot Boundary

Preserved Topography

New Datum





SuperimpositionForming the NEW GROUND

46

B.L. B.L.

Existing Plinth

Access at boundary

ickened Ground OtherwiseMultiple Datum

Building Mass Negotiating Level DierencesBuilding Mass as ickened Ground

47

49

MethodSite Subdivision

From One Generic Datum to Multiple Specific Datum

Models @ 1:500

Kennedy Road

B.L.B.L. B.L.

Hopewell Centre Shopping Mall

CommericalCondominium

Art and CultureCommercial

Shopping

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

unfold section final.ai 2 1/6/2012 0:34:27

Unfolded Journey

Ship Street

B.L. B.L. B.L.

Art and Culture ParkHotel

Art and CultureSports

Sau Wa Fong

0 10 20 50 m

B.L.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


Kennedy Road

B.L.B.L. B.L.

Hopewell Centre Shopping Mall

CommericalCondominium

Art and CultureCommercial

Shopping

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


Unfolded Journey

Ship Street

B.L. B.L. B.L.



Sau Wa Fong

0 10 20 50 m

B.L.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


50

Unfolded Journey

Ship Street

B.L. B.L. B.L.



Sau Wa Fong

0 10 20 50 m

B.L.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


51

Unfolded Journey

Ship Street

B.L. B.L. B.L.



Sau Wa Fong

0 10 20 50 m

B.L.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


Commercial

Site Coverage

Total

Outdoor Programme

Hotel

Park

+

Car Park

50.6 %

Commercial

Site Coverage

101,667 m2Total

Outdoor Programme

Hotel

Park

+

Car Park

Commercial

Site Coverage

Total

Outdoor Programme

Hotel

Park

+

Car Park

52

Commercial

Site Coverage

Total

Outdoor Programme

Hotel

Park

+

Car Park

Basketball

Amphitheatre

Street Market

X GameHiking TrailRock Climbing

BackpackerHostel

BoutiqueHotel

Commercial

Hotel

Residential

Art & Culture

Car Park

Sports

Swimming poolGym

Site Coverage

Total

Outdoor Programme

Outdoor Programme

OceRetailDining

+

CondominiumServiced Apartment

AuditoriumStudio

50.6 %

Basketball

Amphitheatre

Street Market

X GameHiking TrailRock Climbing

BackpackerHostel

BoutiqueHotel

Commercial

Hotel

Residential

Art & Culture

Car Park

Sports

Swimming poolGym

Site Coverage

101,667 m2Total

Outdoor Programme

OceRetailDining

+

CondominiumServiced Apartment

AuditoriumStudio

53

Lot 01

Shopping Mall Access

Status QuoSingle Datum

InterventionMultiple Datum

Lot 02Existing Plinth

Lot 03Kennedy Road


Lot 05HistoricNeighborhood

Lot 06LocalNeighborhood

0

220 m

Original ProposalSingle Datum

Re-GroundingMultiple Datum

105

Queens Road East

Kennedy Road

Sau Wa Fong

HopewellShopping Mall

HopewellOce

Site SubdivisionMultiple Ground

+105.0 m

+25.0 m

+56.0 m

+20.4 m

+10.4 m

+43.0 m

+13.0 m

54

Lot 01

Shopping Mall Access

Status QuoSingle Datum

InterventionMultiple Datum


Lot 03Kennedy Road


Lot 05HistoricNeighborhood

Lot 06LocalNeighborhood

0

220 m

Original ProposalSingle Datum

Re-GroundingMultiple Datum

105

Queens Road East

Kennedy Road

Sau Wa Fong

HopewellShopping Mall

HopewellOce

Site SubdivisionMultiple Ground

+105.0 m

+25.0 m

+56.0 m

+20.4 m

+10.4 m

+43.0 m

+13.0 m

55

+25.0

+43.0

+55.2

+54.3

+54.8

+56.0

+43.08

9

10

11

12

13

14

14

14

15

16

13

13

13

7

+56.0

+51.5

+47.5

+46.0

+42.0

+42.0

+42.01 Queens Road Dropoff2 Auditorium3 Carparl4 Shopping Mall5 Hostel Lobby6 Street Market7 Plaza8 Cafe9 Amphitheatre10 Office Lobby11 Roof Garden12 Sky Bridge13 Backpackers Hostel14 Gallery Deck15 Basketball Court16 Upper Dropoff17 Kennedy Road Entrance

0 10 20 50 m

C M Y CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

plan upper lines.pdf 1 31/5/2012 15:00:08

56

+25.0

+43.0

+55.2

+54.3

+54.8

+56.0

+43.08

9

10

11

12

13

14

14

14

15

16

13

13

13

7

+56.0

+51.5

+47.5

+46.0

+42.0

+42.0

+42.01 Queens Road Dropoff2 Auditorium3 Carparl4 Shopping Mall5 Hostel Lobby6 Street Market7 Plaza8 Cafe9 Amphitheatre10 Office Lobby11 Roof Garden12 Sky Bridge13 Backpackers Hostel14 Gallery Deck15 Basketball Court16 Upper Dropoff17 Kennedy Road Entrance

0 10 20 50 m

C M Y CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

plan upper lines.pdf 1 31/5/2012 15:00:08

57

66

Massing Model @ 1: 500Study Model @ 1: 500

Case Study Model @ 1: 500

67

Final Jury Presentation

Sectional Model @ 1: 200

Massing Model @ 1: 500

69

Sectional Model @ 1:200

70

Juxtaposition: Vehicular Ramp/ Shopping Mall Roof @ 1:200

71

Multiple Ground @ 1:200

Amphitheatre +43.0m @ 1:200

72

Current Proposal @ 1:500

Thickened Ground @ 1:500

Existing Topography @ 1:500

74

Major Circulation @ 1:500

76

1. Synopsis of PresentationOver the time the artificial ground has been thickened by means of code and injecting optional program. There is a shift from applying building code for practical concern to manipulation to achieve a building mass which shows more economic greed than architectural concern. The ever-shifting datum continuously disengages itself from the idea of ground.

The interpretation (manipulation) of building code is vital in defining the relationship between ground and building mass. This project aims to methodically interpret datum as physical manifestation.

Given its size and its hilly topography the site should notbe treated with one generic datum. A research of existing conditions in defining datums and ways to reinterpret them systematically has to be done.

Date: May 16th, 2012Panel Members: Beisi Jia, Eunice Seng

2. Synopsis of Reviewers CommentsES: The method of subdividing the site has to be highlight in the presentation.ES: Representation of a comparison of the existing proposal is missing. BSJ: Site analysis is missing. Massing relationship is not visibleAL: 1:200 physical model is helpful for critics to understand how the ground is redefined by the datum subdivision.

3. ResponseThe benefit of subdividing the site has to be shown through a comparative analysis. Original proposal has to be shown but not too dominant. Site Analysis has to be clearer.

Third Jury

77

Date: June 6th, 2012Panel Members: Beisi Jia, Eunice Seng, Aaron Tan , Juan Du

1. Synopsis of PresentationOver the time the artificial ground has been thickened by means of code and injecting optional program. There is a shift from applying building code for practical concern to manipulation to achieve a building mass which shows more economic greed than architectural concern. The ever-shifting datum continuously disengages itself from the idea of ground.

The interpretation (manipulation) of building code is vital in defining the relationship between ground and building mass. The site is divided into 6 lots with its datum defined according to the existing datums, access points to the site.

If this attempt of Thickened Ground set up an example, it is anticipated that the future development on urban slopes will include even larger sites, but broken down into small lots of individual datums.

2. Synopsis of Reviewers CommentsAT: Value the way to use the slope differently. The shortcoming of the current proposal is the traffic load it brings. The thesis project seeks a compromise which the current proposal is looking for. It creates more public space with the same density.ES: The economic value needs to be addressed as a counter argument to the status quo. The architectural aspect has to be addressed for this new typology.JD: The government, the developer and the user. What each of these party is getting. While more public space is provided, the elongated main circulation is creating more business opportunities.BSJ: Wonder the value of leaning the towerAL: Construction cost-wise the project is defnitely more expensive than the current proposal, while the profit it returns may overcome the current.

3. ResponseIt is important to present the conflicts for the original development of the status quo to reinforce my project as an alternative.

Final Jury

Acknowledgements

is esis Project could not be done without the help of:Chen Lok YanLam Pok Yin Je reyChan Wang FungAmanda Ho

I would like to give thanks to Professor Anderson Lee, my thesis advisor, for given me persistent support and clear guidance along the way.

I owe my greatest thanks to my parents who have given me freedom and support to strive for my goals.

Ken Fung

Iris Lau

Tommy Gunawan

Je rey Lam Ian

Chan

Chen Lok Yan

RonaldKam

Denise Lau

Chan Wang Fung

Howell Tsang

KinKin Cheung

ARCHOI

Acknowledgements




Ken Fung

Iris Lau

Tommy Gunawan

Je rey Lam Ian

Chan

Chen Lok Yan

RonaldKam

Denise Lau

Chan Wang Fung

Howell Tsang

KinKin Cheung

ARCHOI

78

Acknowledgements




Ken Fung

Iris Lau

Tommy Gunawan

Je rey Lam Ian

Chan

Chen Lok Yan

RonaldKam

Denise Lau

Chan Wang Fung

Howell Tsang

KinKin Cheung

ARCHOI

79

BibliogrpahyWillis, Carol. Form Follows Finance. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1995

Vassigh, Shahin. Building systems integration for enhanced environmental performance. FL: J.Ross Publication, 2011

Gauld, Bryan J.B.. Structures for architects. Harlow, Essex: Longamn Scientific & Technical, 1995

Leatherbarrow, David. Uncommon groundL architecture, technology and topography. MIT Press, 2000

The function of the oblique: the architecture of Claude Parent and Paul Virilio, 1963-1969. LondonL AA Publications, 1996

Allen, Stan and McQuade, Marc. Landfrom building: architectures new terrain. Princeton University School of Architecture, 2011

Poon, Alice. Land and the ruling class i Hong Kong. Richmond, BC: A.Poon, 2005

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